Absences from Work

Absences from Work

Employees may be absent from work for a variety of reasons. Most workers are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave, although there is no legal right to paid leave for bank holidays. Statutory paid leave entitlement is in addition to any parental leave taken throughout the year.

Statutory sick pay (SSP) must be paid to any employees who are sick for at least four days in a row unless a more generous arrangement exists. Fit notes replaced sick notes as a form of evidence of ability to work (or not) beyond the seven days self-certification period of illness.